Fluoride Uptake by the Molar Teeth Surfaces of Mature Rats Following Intraperitoneal Fluoride Administration

Abstract

Fluoride uptake by the surface of rat molars was studied in vivo. Mature rats were selected in order to minimize endogenous fluoride supply to the tooth surfaces through the dentin via the dental pulp and were divided into 4 equal groups. One group was sacrificed at the start of the experiment and served as a base line. The three remaining groups were fed a low fluoride diet, with and without a daily dose of 0.167 mg F injected intraperitoneally as NaF, and a standard animal house diet, respectively. Six weeks from the beginning of the experiment all the rats were sacrificed. The surfaces of the mandibular and maxillary molar teeth were exposed to 0.2 N HCl for 30 min for removal of surface substance to be analyzed for fluoride. The surface layers were similar in thickness and weight in each group. A significant uptake of fluoride by the tooth surfaces occurred only in the group which received fluoride intraperitoneally. Low and normal fluoride intake, over a relatively short life period, did not appreciably increase the fluoride concentration of the molar teeth surfaces in mature rats.

Influence of Anatomical Site on Fluoride Levels in Rat Molars

“…König et al, 1965;Riethe, 1968;Mellberg and Larson, 1971;Tori et al, 1970;Relief et al, 1977]. Concentrations of fluoride in the surface en amel of rat molars, like those of man, how ever, can vary considerably with anatomical site [Weatherell et al, 1977;Weatherell et al, 1978].…”